Here's how to upgrade your patio for less
Is your patio in need of some TLC to restore it to peak condition for enjoying the summer months? Whether you have petite paving area or a generous outdoor living space, you can easily refresh your patio with our top tips…
How to refresh your patio on a budget
Firstly, cleaning your patio will make a bigger difference than you might think. Give it a good sweep to remove loose dirt and debris, then fill a bucket with hot soapy water and scrub any particularly grimy areas with a hard-bristled brush.
Rinse with clean water from a hose, leave to dry and inspect your handiwork – you may need to repeat this on some areas. Exercise caution when it comes to using a pressure washer, as this could damage delicate tiles.
- For a step-by-step guide, check out our tutorial on how to deep clean your decking and patio.
Once your patio is clean, add a pop of colour! Whether you paint your furniture, walls, floors or planters, adding a bright colour to your patio is sure to give it the revamp it needs. We love this colour-drenching effect from Protek.
For a fresh look without blowing the budget on new tiles, give stencilling a go. Dizzy Duck Designs has lots of stencil designs that can be used on tiles, or even concrete slabs. It does take time and patience, but the results can look amazing!
Cheap patio decor ideas
Inject instant colour with planters and pots filled with greenery. If you’re short on space, vertical planters will make the most of the available area and draw the eye upwards to make compact patios feel bigger. Why not try your hand at making our DIY driftwood planter or upcycling plant pots to create a stylish herb garden?
If you’ll be using your space for evening entertaining, think about atmospheric lighting. There are plenty of garden lighting options available, from simple string lights to statement wall lamps.
Read on for our cheap patio decor finds to get you inspired, which will help you kit out your new-look patio without breaking the bank:
3-Piece rattan garden furniture set
If you're going to the effort of transforming your patio into the most attractive corner of your home, it makes sense to invest in some comfortable furniture so you can sit and enjoy it. Luckily, decent patio furniture sets don't have to cost the earth, and there are some quality options at a lower price point - you just have to look for them!
Take this set from Yaheetech, which includes two chairs made of weather-resistant synthetic wicker with seat cushions included, as well as a square coffee. At the time of writing, the set - available in your choice of black and brown - costs just £75.99.
Patio heater
Don't let that late-evening chill stop you from enjoying your garden - why not grab a patio heater so you can let the good times roll even after the sun has gone down?
The Harrier patio heater is a great budget-friendly option and features an adjustable head, to angle the warmth just right, as well as three heat levels (low/medium/high) to keep you toasty.
This heater costs £48.99 at the time of writing.
Rattan lantern solar fairy lights
Another vital ingredient for making the most of your garden after sundown, outdoor lights are a practical addition to your patio but they can be an aesthetic one, too! This set of 10 rattan-look lanterns from Lights4Fun will lend instant boho vibes to your outdoor space.
The warm white LED bulbs inside are solar-powered, so make sure you hang these in an area where they are sure to receive plenty of sunlight during the day.
Half barrel planters
Add instant character to your patio with these half-barrel planters from simpa, available to buy individually or in a set of two or four.
Made from lightweight plastic, they're tough and weather-resistant, with an oak-effect finish that is sure to add a touch of rustic chic to your outdoor space. Plus, they come in three sizes (small, medium and large), allowing you to find the perfect one for your patio.
Floral indoor/outdoor rug
Patios are, by their nature, a hard surface, and the most common patio materials can be plain-looking, too - so dressing up the area with an outdoor rug is a quick and easy way to add colour, texture and softness to your outdoor space.
This flatweave rug from Beachrest Home at Wayfair will withstand the elements and is available in a variety of sizes to fit your space.
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